OBJECT TYPES
What object types are there and are their definitions?
The COLLECTORBASE.net database relies on object types and properties, and therefore they need to be used correctly.
This is quite a challenge. Every manufacturer uses their own object types, which in turn defines the associated properties. This can get even more challenging as a manufacturer may not always strictly enforce these definitions. Sooner or later inconsistencies will arise. We cannot simply adopt all the definitions from manufacturers. The contradictions between them would lead to chaos in no time.
Therefore we decided to define generally valid object types. These object types help provide structure to COLLECTORBASE.net. While in the end an object type is no more than a property of an item, it is the one that we use as the basis for building upon.
We know that not everyone will agree totally with each definition and that these definitions will not fit some people’s habits. We’ve had quite some debate over the definitions ourselves and had to let go of some habits also!
But we knew that to invent a new kind of collector’s database, we would need to think out of the box.
One example are 3¾ inch figures. This term is very commonly used but in a sense is not correct. What about a Yoda or Chewbacca figure? One is like a dwarf, the other as big as a giant. Strictly, “3¾ inch figures” are action figures in 1:19 scale (3¾”= 9.525cm, average height = 180cm so 180cm/9.525 = 18.947 therefore ~ 1:19).
So we chose that all figures with joints are given the object TYPE “Action figure” – regardless of their scale. The distinct CHARACTERISTICS of the action figure are then defined by its scale and other various properties.
The sort options in the object overview page help to select exactly what you’d like to see.
How do you name an item?
Sometimes it happens that a producer makes one figure that has different outfits but names then identically. How should we then name them?
In some cases, some people tend to add a supplement to the name – for example, the location where the figure was wearing the corresponding outfit or a description of the outfit, or the film that it was in. However, this can clearly lead to other people being unable to find the figure as it now has a different name.
As in every Wiki, therefore, we need to agree on specific rules. In the event that the object has an official name – given from the producer – this one needs to be used. If you still would like to add extra information in order to sort your collection, you can use the “keywords” property.
The difference between a "series" and a "collection"
What is a series and what is a collection? This question arises repeatedly, probably due to many companies only using the series label even when covering multiple collections.
So what is the difference?
Hasbro has issued several series of STAR WARS action figures. Just to name a few: THE BLACK SERIES, POWER OF THE FORCE, THE VINTAGE COLLECTION.
These series are divided into collections: BASE FIGURES, DELUXE, BATTLE PACKS, MULTI PACKS and whatever else Hasbro has come up with.
The SERIES is the genus, the COLLECTION is a part of it.
Divert properties from its intended use
We all know this from conventional properties. You would like to add a descriptor to an object but there is no suitable property. So you look for another property that you are not using and what you really want there. Yes, we’ve all done it.
But this only works for databases that will be used only by yourself. As soon as people start using properties for different meanings, things start going wrong. The database of COLLECTORBASE.net is like a Wiki. The object properties will be used by everybody.
So if you need a property that is not in the system so far PLEASE GET IN TOUCH WITH US. We will look into it and if it is missing we will create it for you.
Please remember: there is no reason for divert properties from its intended use. We are happy to look into creating addition properties if you need them.
ACTION FIGURES & VEHICLES
Action figures are ALL figures with moveable joints. Examples include MASTERS OF THE UNIVERSE or STAR WARS figures as well as BARBIE dolls.
The key crucial point here is that a figure must have at least one moveable joint to qualify as being “actionable”, in contrast to rigid FIGURINES like Smurf figures from Schleich.
This definition is valid for a series. Single exceptions within one production series don’t need to be handled otherwise.
There are series with rigid as well as poseable figures. In this case the majority of the figure type dominate. If more figures qualify as action figures, the series is considered to be action figures and so are the exceptions.
One example is Sideshow’s Dewback.
The Dewback is a rigid figure. It could also be displayed as a statue. But this figure is part of the “sixth scale action figures” from Sideshow, where most figures are poseable. That’s why the <a href=”https://collectorbase.net/cb/collectorbase_details.php?objects_id=625&affiliate=2″ target=”_blank”>Dewback</a> is regarded as an action figure.
Action Figures Examples
Action Figure Type
These are the figures themselves. They may be humans, aliens, as well as riding mounts or robots. Everything that is (more or less) self-aware and has its own will – innate or programmed – is an action figure. A Tauntaun is a valid action figure, as is a Dalek or Imperial Probe Droid.
- Action Figure Set
This is one product that comprises several action figures. - Character Set
A character set is a peculiarity of 1:6 action figures. It is less than an action figure but more than simple accessories. It involves all the accessories plus head but without a body. - Customs & Kitbash
Figures compiled from other characters and/or customized by collectors themselves. - Vehicles
Every mode of transport is covered here. It doesn’t matter if it navigates on water, ground, air or space. - Playset
These are playgrounds as well as vehicles that are sold together with a figure. - Accessories
Some accessories are parts that are sold by manufacturers separately, but there are also small companies that specialize in accessories. The ‘action figure type’ is intended for such objects.
LEGO Minifigures are action figures?
In the strictest sense yes, but practically: no.
LEGO minifigures meet the definition of action figures and we would like to classify them as action figures. BUT these figures are just supplements to LEGO itself. (In fact LEGO figures were invented much later than the LEGO bricks as we know them today.)
But what about classifying it? The issue is that LEGO is there to do much more than just to support action figures: that’s why LEGO cannot be regarded as an action figure supplement and the reason why LEGO figures don’t qualify as action figures, but simply as … LEGO.
LEGO is managed under the “Brick System” object type.
Audiobooks
Radio or audio plays have several speakers and sound effects. In contrast, an audiobook only has one reader. Of course these can be managed on COLLECTORBASE.net
Audiobooks at COLLECTORBASE.net
Brick Function
We founded COLLECTORBASE.net because we would like to administer everything as we always wanted.
However, many of us are also collectors of LEGO and for lot of us it is not enough “only” administer sets. Each set consists of a vast number of bricks and basically each brick would stand for an object in its own right. But that’s A LOT of bricks and objects.
Therefore we are implementing the brick function.
As you can see at “Ant-Man Final Battle” all the bricks are listed. The reason for this is the first brick function.
1) Automatic creation of object
The brick function will create a unique object out of each brick and will apply it as often as you have inserted it.
Surplus bricks are therefore not to be placed in a set but directly at the respective brick.
If the brick is already within the database it won’t be created again but inserted with this object as another brick. If you are lucky someone has already created the various types of brick already!
2) Manage all your bricks
With this kind of administration it will be possible that you can manage all your stones. This has several advantages.
2.1) Overview
You do have an overview of all your bricks. Which ones do you have? Are other users looking for these bricks? How much are they worth?
The more LEGO collectors use the database the more interesting it will get! You will not only have the overview of your set at a glance, you can even find out if some of the bricks are worth more separately!
2.2) What can you build?
You know which sets you have, but you probably do not know if you could build some other sets with what you have already or at least which bricks are missing. You will get this type of information automatically with the brick function.
2.3) Share your own sets
You will be able to insert your own sets. Other users can see them and check immediately if they have all the bricks to copy your set or at least find out which stones are still missing.
These are the functions that we have currently provided for the brick function.
Of course there is still room for more. Send us your ideas and we will consider them!
More Bicks at COLLECTORBASE.net
Books
A book is a bound work. It can contains text, illustrations etc. If the content is told entirely as a comic, it is considered to be a comic rather than a book. This object type also contains brochures and catalogues.
Books at COLLECTORBASE.net
More books at COLLECTORBASE.net
Bust
A bust is a sculpted or cast representation of the upper part of the human figure, depicting a person’s head and neck, and a variable portion of the chest and shoulders. The piece is normally supported by a plinth. These forms recreate the likeness of an individual. These may be of any medium used for sculpture, such as marble, bronze, terracotta or wood. A parallel term, aust, is a representation of the upper part of an animal or mythical creature.
Busts at COLLECTORBASE.net
More busts at COLLECTORBASE.net
Cookie cans (Biscuit tins)
You can collect cookie cans or biscuit tins. They are available in numerous shapes and sizes, and are a favourite of collectors.
Cookie cans at COLLECTORBASE.net
Comic
A Comic is a story told by pictures.
If you want to know more:
A comic is a medium used to express ideas by images, often combined with text or other visual information. Comics frequently take the form of juxtaposed sequences of panels of images. Often textual devices such as speech balloons, captions, and onomatopoeia indicate dialogue, narration, sound effects, or other information. Size and arrangement of panels contribute to narrative pacing. Cartooning and similar forms of illustration are the most common image-making means in comics; fumetti is a form which uses photographic images. Common forms of comics include comic strips, editorial and gag cartoons, and comic books. Since the late 20th century, bound volumes such as graphic novels, comic albums, and tankōbon have become increasingly common, and online webcomics have proliferated in the 21st century. (Wikipedia)
Comics at COLLECTORBASE.net
More comics at COLLECTORBASE.net
Decoration
Decoration is one of the most sweeping object types. Here you can find bookends, Christmas balls and hangings, and everything that you can put in your home in order to decorate it (not including furniture, as we are going to create another object type for this.)
The reason for the creation of this object type was a STAR WARS hanging item that came from some chocolate “surprise eggs”. Where do we put it? What do we classify it as? A hanging item? That would be a decoration. The same as bookends, napkins or vases.
Decoration objects at COLLECTORBASE.net
More decoration at COLLECTORBASE.net
Diorama
In the same manner as a statue, a diorama stands on a socle. But in contrast to the statue a diorama has a story. This is our definition of a diorama. A diorama can be either minimalistic or illustrate a complete environment including every nut, bolt and screw. The point is that everything is on a socle and is portraying a story.
Dioramas at COLLECTORBASE.net
More Dioramas at COLLECTORBASE.net
Movie/Documentation/Series
Almost every collector has movies and they can also find a place in the collecting database of COLLECTORBASE.net. This can include documentaries as well. All the properties of the movies or documentaries or series can be recorded (though not the content!).
Movies / Documentations / Series at COLLECTORBASE.net
More Movies / Documentations / Series at COLLECTORBASE.net
Parlour game
A party game is a game for two or more people played for amusement. Often it revolves around board games or card games, but it can also be writing and guessing games or charades. Parlour games vary from gambling (eg. game of dice), brain games (eg. chess) to role-playing games and even several party games.
Audiobooks at COLLECTORBASE.net
PC/Console games
This covers all electronic games that are playable on one or more platform without the need for hardware built specifically for the game. This includes all games that can be obtained through a data medium (e.g. disk, CD) or online.
PC/Console games
Statue
Statues are stiff, detached, whole-body figures. It is not mandatory that they are on a pedestal, but they do need to have a pose (even if that is just standing and looking at the sculptor). However, this doesn’t act as a scenic portrayal of a specific story with enviroment detached (which is the characteristic of a diorama).
Status at COLLECTORBASE.net
There are a more object types!
We try to explain them all as soon as possible.